Julius Mkhwanazi’s Suspension Costs Ekurhuleni R1.27 Million, South Africans Frustrated
- Julius Mkhwanazi has been on suspension since November 2025, with two separate disciplinary hearings still underway
- The Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department Deputy Chief has also been arrested five times on five charges and remains in custody
- South Africans are questioning why Commissioner Mkhwanazi continues to earn a salary despite the mounting charges against him
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Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
GAUTENG - Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department's suspended Deputy Chief, Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi, has incurred costs of R1,2 million to the city in salary, benefits, and related expenses since his suspension.
The figure was disclosed through a response to a question put to Gauteng Member of the Executive Committee for Infrastructure Development and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Jacob Mamabolo.
Mkhwanazi was suspended on 11 November 2025.
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Two hearings but no end date in sight
Mkhwanazi faces two separate disciplinary proceedings, with the first related to the blue lights installation matter.
The hearings have been convened multiple times since February 2026. The second concerns a precious stones case, which has so far dealt with preliminary objections and points in limine, and is set to proceed on the merits in September.
The City confirmed it could not provide a projected end date for the disciplinary process, citing four outstanding witnesses who still need to testify. Despite his extended absence, no official has been appointed to act in Mkhwanazi's position, meaning the City has not incurred additional costs for a replacement.
Mkhwanazi has been arrested five times on five separate charges and remains in custody. The Democratic Alliance has also raised issues over the costs.
Public frustration over ongoing costs
The disclosure drew sharp criticism from members of the public on social media.
Dave Connon said:
"That's a part of the reason my rates, taxes, electricity and other metro charges are so high. It covers this type of nonsense. In a private company the disciplinary hearing would be over already, and he would have been fired even if only for bringing the company into disrepute."
Jerome Reneke questioned the arrangement directly:
"Suspended and arrested but still getting a salary...how does that work?"
Khathutshelo Nengwenani asked:
"Why is Ekurhuleni still not dismissing him?"
Solomon Mathopa added:
"Why are they not concluding his hearing? It's been a long time since it started."
Tshepo Jazmo Ngwenya wrote:
"Even Mchunu, we must stop paying him."
Erica Hill commented:
"And the Minister of Police is still getting full benefits."
Mkhwanazi claims there's a plot against him
Briefly News reported that Commissioner Mkhwanazi appeared before the Germiston Magistrate's Court.
Mkhwanazi was served with a J50 warrant of arrest linked to the alleged fitting of blue lights to Vusimuzi Matlala's vehicles.
The suspended EMPD Deputy Police Chief claimed that there were some people working against him.
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Source: Briefly News
